The chief executive of a regional council was sensationally sacked during a live-streamed meeting.
Chief executive Dave Burges’ contract was terminated by Southern Downs Regional Council at its regular meeting on Wednesday.
The Southern Downs Council is a local government area in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, in the south-west of the state.
Mr Burges had been chief executive for more than four years since mid-2020 and is understood to have been on long-term sick leave at the time.
Mayor Melissa Hamilton introduced the motion as the final item on the agenda.
“I am moving to have council terminate the employment of the executive directors pursuant to section 18.1E of the employment agreement between council and the officer entered into on June 19, 2023, effective immediately. Do I have anyone to second that motion?” Mayor Hamilton said.
After the motion was seconded, Councillor Ross Bartley stood up and spoke against the motion while praising the outgoing chief executive.
“I would like to say that in my 20-plus years in local government I have worked with five full-time and as many acting CEOs, and during that time I found the previous CEO to be one of the most professional and efficient I have ever worked with,” he said.
Chief executive Dave Burges (pictured) was sacked by Southern Downs Regional Council during the council’s regular meeting on Wednesday.
Mayor Melissa Hamilton proposed the motion as the final item on the agenda (meeting pictured)
“It’s disappointing to me that our CEO has been fired, but that seems to be life in local government.”
Councillor Russell Wantling also spoke out against the motion.
“I would also like to speak out against it,” he told the group.
“A staff member recently came up to me and said that councillors come and go, and so do mayors. And he said he was very pleased to be able to work with a good chief executive for once.”
Another councillor began to pay tribute to Mr Burges, before being interrupted by Mayor Hamilton, who said: “We have not tabled the motion…”
But they continued: “If the motion is carried, I would like to say that I am grateful for the time David spent with us, the new councillors, in this period and I wish him all the best for the future.”
Angry residents took to the council’s Facebook page to criticise the move, with former councillor Andrew Gale writing he was “horrified”.
“I am absolutely shocked and horrified by the councillors who today voted to FIRE the best executive director to have worked with the council in recent years,” one person wrote.
“A very disappointing result. Councillors Wantling and Bartly are to be congratulated for voting against the motion.”
“Shame on you, shame on you. Fire this guy when he’s on vacation for the first time in four years and he’s not even there to defend himself,” wrote another.
“Why is the CEO being fired? Surely the public needs to know,” said a third.
Mayor Melissa Hamilton (pictured) paid tribute to Mr Burges and wished him well for the future.
“The Southern Downs Regional Council announced at its regular meeting on Wednesday 18 September 2024 that it will seek new leadership opportunities as it moves to terminate the employment contract of Chief Executive Dave Burges, effective immediately,” the council said in a statement.
‘The termination was administered in accordance with the terms of the contract, as agreed by the previous Board.’
Steve Jackson will serve as the council’s interim chief executive while the recruitment process continues.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Burges for comment.
